ONOC and UniSport Australia Partner to expand opportunities for Pacific Island Student Athletes

In a landmark agreement, the Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) and UniSport Australia have joined forces to provide university athletes from across the Pacific greater access to sports competition, as part of ONOC’s Pacific University Alliance under the broader Home Games Advantage Initiative.

This partnership will provide Pacific Island students easier access to compete in UniSport Australia events, helping them develop through high-level competition while representing their university and home nation. It also creates pathways for elite calibre Pacific Island athletes with aspirations of representing their home nation in the Pacific Games, FISU World University Games, and even the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032.

The partnership between ONOC and UniSport will help promote and enable university athletes from the Pacific Islands to compete in high-level sporting events by providing some financial relief to selected students, helping to reduce economic barriers to participation. Additionally, the partnership extends beyond athletes, providing opportunities for coaches and officials to gain experience at international-level competitions.

UniSport Australia CEO Mark Sinderberry welcomed the partnership, stating, “This collaboration is a major step forward in developing sporting talent in the Pacific. By opening up more competitive opportunities, we are helping athletes, coaches, and officials gain the experience they need to succeed on the world stage.”

Atma Maharaj, Programme Lead for Brisbane 2032 at ONOC emphasised the impact on the region, saying, “This initiative strengthens sport across the Pacific Islands by giving our university athletes the opportunity to test themselves in high-calibre competition. It also enhances visibility for Pacific athletes seeking scholarships and professional sporting careers.”

Student athletes will be directed to their university sports department for information on their eligibility for financial support. Once a student has connected with your organisation, please reach out to UniSport Australia for instructions on how to access the benefit to enter UniSport events. The financial support will be made available for student athletes from the Pacific Islands to compete in UniSport Nationals Swimming and 3×3 Basketball in May, T20 Cricket in late July, as well as select events at UniSport Nationals on the Gold Coast in September this year.

For all registration queries and applications, please email: registrations@unisport.com.au

About ONOC
Established in 1981, the Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) is one of five Continental Associations. It looks after the interests of 17 member nations in the Oceania Region, including Australia and New Zealand as well as seven associate members.

ONOC has an office in Guam where Secretary General Mr. Ricardo Blas is based and the Secretariat in Suva, Fiji, where the Office of the President Dr Robin Mitchell is located.

For more information, please contact:
Christine Voge Christine.Voge@unisport.com.au
Atma Maharaj atmamaharaj@gmail.com

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